Summer is a great time to visit the Taupo area. Not only are their plenty of adventure activities on water and land, but there are also plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and accommodation options for when it comes time to relax.

Mountain Biking in Taupo

Taupo is one of New Zealand’s top mountain biking destinations with its many and diverse options. The Craters Mountain Bike Park is located approximately 10 minutes’ drive north of Taupo and offers a number of awesome trails for all different skill levels. Depending on how you join the trails together, you can spend any length of time at the bike park, from one hour to a whole day.The Great Lake Trail is a 74km trail, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network, which consists of a combination of trails that can be ridden either individually or together. If you’re not travelling with your own bike, don’t worry, there are many bike rental stores in Taupo that can help you get out on the trails.

Exploring Lake Taupo

As New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, Lake Taupo offers a vast array of water activities to keep all ages entertained. Taupo Kayaking Adventures offer both Kayak hire and guided tours for you to discover the unrivalled natural beauty and fascinating history of Lake Taupo and get up close to the remarkable Maori carvings at Mine Bay.
The many beaches surrounding the lake also provide the opportunity to take a dip and cool off from the summer heat.
Entertaining locals, tourists, and visitors alike for over 20 years, the Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge is great chance for your golf swing to earn you a little bit of spending money. The ultimate challenge is the red flag, if you nail a hole in one, the $10,000 cash is yours! At 102 meters, the hole is shorter than a normal hole on a golf course, so you’ve got a ‘better’ chance of winning.

Relaxing in Taupo

After a busy day out and about taking advantage of Taupo’s many adventures and activities you probably need to relax and recharge the batteries. Head on down to the Waterside Restaurant and Bar to have a delicious meal and a refreshing beverage while taking in the stunning vistas of Lake Taupo. Above the Waterside Restaurant is The Pool Deck, which offers a unique experience with three high-end pool tables, a fully functional bar and spectacular views.

Staying in Taupo

If you are looking for accommodation for your stay in Taupo, consider booking at The Sails Taupo. The Sails offers magnificent views across Lake Taupo and the Central Plateau Mountain Ranges. With its central location, the Sails is located directly opposite the lake’s main swimming beach and is only a 1.5km (1 mile) walk to Taupo CBD and a number of outstanding shops, restaurants and bars.